Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad opens International Youth Conference

Manama, Mar 27 (BNA): HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee stressed that achieving success requires courage to begin taking serious steps towards ones aspirations, adding that the youth are born with equal opportunities and it’s for their choices to determine what they will become in the society. This came during the speech of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the opening ceremony of the 8th International Youth Conference "Success before Thirty" which is organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and was attended by a number of ministers, senior state officials, parliamentarians, diplomats and approximately1600 participants in the conference who represent 32 countries. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed the visiting participants in Bahrain, which he assured is hosting a number of pioneering inspirers of the youth to share their success experiments with them. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa spoke about his experiences in the fields of military, humanitarian, charity, youth and athletics. He mentioned that he was faced by many challenges in life that he managed to overcome with determination and persistence. He told the audience: "Nothing is impossible. A great leader would stand once again in case he/she falls. The road to success is full of obstacles, but a person with a vision and a goal would continue no matter what. Offer your best and you’ll reap what you sow in the future. Utilise your energetic youth to build yourself as a strong person." HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa revealed that he choses to challenge in triathlon sports despite its difficulty as it teaches bravery, demand and taking quick and serious decisions, in addition to positive thinking. He added that one of the main factors of success is finding a positive and motivating environment. The ceremony had begun by the Bahraini National Anthem, which was followed by a recitation of verses of the Holy Quran and short clip that showed the previous editions of the conference. Another inspiring video was also displayed during the ceremony showing the success experience of American speaker Todd Huston, who made an exceptional achievement by climbing 50 mountain tops across the United States of America, despite having an amputated leg. Huston achievement was featured in the Guinness world records. Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Hisham Al-Jowder, in his speech, highlighted the support and care provided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the youth and sports movements. He also underlined the interest of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, as well as HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The minister pointed the recent call of the General Secretary of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon to consider the youth as a priority in the developmental schemes of nations as they form a majority of the world’s population. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented mementos to the organisers and sponsors of the conference as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The minister presented a gift to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his generous patronage of the event. First Day Sessions Starting at 10 AM today, Todd Huston will speak about determination and success, while the second session will feature Kuwaiti author Yousif Al-Hajeri who will speak about writing and technology. The final session of the day will discuss positive thinking and finding solutions. It will be presented by David Edward Garcia.